Summary (as of 27.10.2026)
FFP2 or FFP3? Both are particle-filtering half masks according to EN 149. FFP3 offers the highest protection with a maximum total leakage of 2%, while FFP2 allows 8%. DGUV Rule 112-190 specifies the duration of use: 75 minutes without an exhalation valve, 150 minutes with a valve, followed by 30 minutes of recovery. The AMR 14.2 of 20 June 2026 is new: FFP half masks are generally no longer assigned to a screening group, but employees must be allowed to request screening.
Dust during grinding, aerosols during spraying, or biological agents in the care and cleaning area: Where employees can inhale particles, particle masks are part of the protective equipment. The question then is usually FFP2 or FFP3. The difference is not just a number, but determines the level of protection, duration of wear, and the company's obligations.
This guide explains in tables how FFP2 and FFP3 differ, how long an FFP mask can be worn, what applies to occupational medical screening since summer 2026, and what companies should pay attention to when choosing.
What does FFP mean and which standard applies?
FFP stands for "Filtering Face Piece", i.e. a filtering facepiece. The masks filter particles from the breathing air and are classified into three classes according to EN 149: FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3. According to the DGUV FAQ on FFP2 masks, the testing standard EN 149:2001+A1:2009 still applies. On a tested mask, among other things, the standard number and year, manufacturer's name and product designation are indicated.
Two abbreviations determine reuse: NR means that the mask is intended for one work shift only, R designates reusable masks. In the workplace, NR masks may also be used multiple times within a shift of about eight hours, after which they are to be disposed of (DGUV).
FFP2 or FFP3: The difference in the table
FFP1 is the lowest of the three classes. The following overview compares FFP2 and FFP3:
| Class | Total leakage (maximum) | Protection according to BAuA |
|---|---|---|
| FFP2 | 8 % | increased protection against toxic dusts, aerosols, CMR substances and biological agents of risk groups 2 or 3 |
| FFP3 | 2 % | special protection against toxic dusts, aerosols, CMR substances and biological agents of risk group 3 |
CMR substances are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction. Total leakage describes how much unfiltered air enters the mask, for example along the sealing line. Important: A higher class does not automatically mean better tolerance. As filter efficiency increases, breathing resistance usually increases, so duration of use and fit count just as much as the class.
When is FFP2 enough, when is FFP3 needed?
The answer is provided by the risk assessment. It clarifies which substances are present, how high the exposure is, and how long it lasts. According to the BAuA, FFP3 is considered for particularly dangerous substances: toxic dusts and aerosols, CMR substances, and biological agents of risk group 3. FFP2 covers increased protection, for example against toxic dusts and biological agents of risk groups 2 or 3.
Decisive are the safety data sheet of the substances, the manufacturer's information on the mask, and the occupational safety specialist. Our classification: In case of uncertainty about the hazard, the higher class is the safe choice, as long as the duration of wear and fit are correct. You can find a selection by class at FFP2 and FFP3, the lowest class at FFP1.
How long can an FFP mask be worn?
DGUV Rule 112-190 "Use of respiratory protective equipment" (November 2021 edition) no longer speaks of wear time, but of duration of use. It distinguishes three values: the duration of use (GD) at a time, the recovery time (ED) afterwards, and the duration of use per work shift (GDS). For particle-filtering half masks, Table 21 provides these orientation values:
| Mask type | Duration of use (GD) | Recovery time (ED) | Per shift (GDS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FFP without exhalation valve | 75 minutes | 30 minutes | 360 minutes |
| FFP with exhalation valve | 150 minutes | 30 minutes | 420 minutes |
This explains the different numbers that are in circulation: 75 minutes apply to masks without a valve, 150 minutes to masks with an exhalation valve. In the 2011 edition, the value for masks with a valve was still 120 minutes. These are guidelines for moderate work intensity, derived from many years of experience. For heavy work, heat, or protective clothing, a shorter duration of use may be necessary, and the rule provides adjustment factors for this. An occupational medical consultation is recommended when determining this.
Sealing: Why fit is decisive
Even a high filter class is useless if air flows past the edge. The revised DGUV Rule 112-190 therefore highlights the fit check, with which the individual seal of a respiratory device is ensured. According to the manufacturer's information on the rule changes, assessing the fit is one of the essential components for the effectiveness of a respiratory protective device. In practice, this means: employees should try on masks before use, and companies should have various models and sizes available.
Occupational medical screening: What applies since AMR 14.2 of 2026?
The occupational medical rule AMR 14.2 classifies respiratory protective equipment into groups. The new edition of June 22, 2026, was announced in the Joint Ministerial Bulletin of July 28, 2026, and generally applies since August 11, 2026. This has changed the classification for FFP masks:
| Group | Devices (selection) | Screening |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | Filter devices with particle filters of class P3, freely wearable self-contained devices under 5 kg, hose-supplied air devices with mask | Optional screening |
| Group 2 | Filter devices with gas filters and combination filters of all classes, supplied-air hose devices | Mandatory screening |
| Group 3 | Compressed-air respirators and regenerative devices over 5 kg | Mandatory screening |
| Not assigned to any group | Devices with breathing resistance up to 5 mbar, for example P1 and P2 filters and particle-filtering half masks FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 (observe manufacturer's specifications) | No mandatory or optional screening, allow optional screening |
For companies, this means: Those who use FFP half masks do not have to arrange mandatory or optional screening according to AMR 14.2, but must allow optional screening for employees according to § 5a ArbMedVV if a health hazard cannot be ruled out, and inform them about it, for example in the instruction. Many older publications still list optional screening for FFP masks. Therefore, check the date of your sources and clarify any doubts with your company doctor.
Wearing, changing and disposing correctly
- Check the marking, expiration date and integrity of the mask before each use.
- Put on the mask according to the manufacturer's information and check the seal every time you put it on.
- Adhere to the duration of use and recovery time and plan the breaks into the work process.
- Replace masks if they are damp, damaged or dirty, or if the breathing resistance increases significantly.
- Use NR masks only within a shift, R masks according to the manufacturer's specifications.
- Instruct employees before the first use and document the instruction.
Checklist for procuring FFP masks
- Hazard defined according to the risk assessment (substances, concentration, duration)
- Protection class FFP1, FFP2 or FFP3 chosen according to the substance
- Marking according to EN 149 and NR or R on the mask present
- Chosen with or without exhalation valve and duration of use specified (75 or 150 minutes)
- Fit and seal checked in a fit test, several models provided
- Optional screening offered and mentioned in the instruction
- Operating instructions created, rules for changing and disposal specified
Respiratory protection at Technigro
At Technigro you will find respiratory protection for companies, from particle masks to half and full masks for filter holders and matching filters and accessories. Companies order with the B2B program via a company account. Background information on the selection can be found in the posts What is the difference between occupational protection and occupational safety? and PPE lexicon: Abbreviations, protection classes and standards from A to Z.
FFP2 or FFP3? Decisive are the substance, duration of use and seal, not just the class on the packaging.
Note: This post provides general information (as of 27.10.2026). Which protective equipment is required is determined by your company's risk assessment. In case of doubt, clarify the selection with your occupational safety specialist.
Sources
- Occupational medical rule AMR 14.2 "Classification of respiratory protective equipment into groups", edition of 22.06.2026 (GMBl. No. 20 of 28.07.2026), text reproduction at umwelt-online. Retrieved on 27.10.2026.
- Haufe: New, changed and newly formulated regulations July 2026, Technical regulations (AMR 14.2 from 11.08.2026). Retrieved on 27.10.2026.
- DGUV: DGUV Rule 112-190 "Use of respiratory protective equipment", November 2021 edition. Retrieved on 27.10.2026.
- DGUV Rule 112-190, Chapter 8 Duration of use, Table 21 (text reproduction of the BGN). Retrieved on 27.10.2026.
- DGUV, Subject area Respiratory protection: New rules in respiratory protection, useful information on the revised DGUV Rule 112-190. Retrieved on 27.10.2026.
- DGUV Health & Safety: FAQ Correct use of FFP2 masks in the workplace (testing standard EN 149:2001+A1:2009). Retrieved on 27.10.2026.
- BAuA: Protective masks, overview of FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3. Retrieved on 27.10.2026.
